Citizens Advisory Council Study Topics ~ 2004-2005
It is the CAC’s mission to represent
the Unit 5 community by fostering district-wide dialogue
and examining topics of interest.
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Short Term Studies – Reports Due
January 19, 2005
Communications
Identify essential elements of a comprehensive district
communications plan. Review previously completed studies to
determine applicability of those recommendations. Explore all
possible media, including verbal, print, electronic and
broadcast communication. Include consideration of timelines and
all possible audiences.
Revenue Enhancement/Expenditure Reductions
Explore new sources of revenue and additional areas of savings
and reductions in the (1) Operations and Maintenance and (2)
Transportation funds. Begin with the Turning Point 2004 report
to determine which suggestions warrant further consideration.
(The Tiering study completed in 2003-2004 is being researched by
the administration and is not included in this topic.)
Long Term Studies – Reports Due March 16, 2005
Technology
Investigate options for the continual improvement of the
district’s operational and instructional technological
capabilities. Review previously completed studies to determine
applicability of those recommendations. Consider needs related
to the objectives identified in our Strategic Plan. Identify
projected costs related to the recommendations.
Referenda
Assess the feasibility for future referenda in the (1)
Educational, (2) Operations and Maintenance and (3) Site and
Construction funds. Consideration should be given to budgetary
needs, including the need for appropriate reserves, comparisons
of current tax rates for neighboring and comparable districts,
maintenance and improvement of existing programs and facilities,
known and potential growth in the district, and public support.
Include potential timelines if appropriate.
Reporting Format
A standard format for Citizens Advisory Council reports is not
prescribed or appropriate. Committees are encouraged to adapt
their reports to the topic of study and to the talents and
preferences of the members. However, each report should include
an executive summary, overview of the topic or subject of study,
a presentation of data, resources, and recommendations for Board
of Education consideration. Samples of a wide variety of reports
and formats are available for any committee to use as reference
material.
McLean County Unit District No. 5
Citizens Advisory Council
STUDY TOPICS
2003-2004
In response to the district’s need for public input regarding
the fiscal planning process, CAC members participated in the
“Turning Point 2004” initiative throughout the first half of the
2003-2004 CAC session. From September to November, CAC members
were involved in school or community based “Information Teams”
and conducted meetings as a means of engaging individuals in
financial brainstorming. Based upon the suggestions collected
from “Information Team Meetings”, CAC members formulated a
report that was submitted to the Educational Task Force in
November 2003.
On January 21, 2004, short-term study topics developed in
collaboration with the Community Involvement Committee of the
Board of Education were assigned for the remainder of the CAC
session. Descriptions of these study topics follow.
Fundraising Resource Guide
In order to address a currently unmet, district-wide need, this
committee will be responsible for the development of a resource
guide detailing fundraising techniques presently and previously
utilized at Unit 5 schools. Additionally, this committee should
consider the inclusion of revenue enhancement ideas generated at
Turning Point 2004 Information Team Meetings in the resource
guide. This document is intended to serve as an evolving,
composite source of information for schools seeking to engage in
novel fundraising initiatives.
Objectives:
Canvass each school to gather fundraiser information. Include
details regarding
logistics, process, revenue per fundraiser, contact people who
would be willing to discuss the fundraiser with interested
parties, etc…Examine and research fundraisers mentioned during
Information Team
Meetings. Include details regarding logistics, process,
potential revenue per fundraiser, contact people who would be
willing to discuss the fundraiser with interested parties,
etc…Compile the information into a user-friendly, easily
accessible resource guide.
Report to the CAC on April 21, 2004.
Report to the Board of Education on April 28, 2004.
View the Fundraising Resource guide here.
Legislative Action Manual
Currently, an inclusive listing of active PAC (political action
groups) that support education, state legislators who serve on
the Education Committee, and local legislators does not exist
within the Unit 5 community. A complete listing of these
individuals and groups, as well as their specific objectives,
may help individuals interested in educational issues to
effectively focus their legislative canvassing efforts.
Objective:
1. Compile an inclusive legislative action manual that
identifies and provides contact information for the following:
Active PAC groups that support education, and the specific
objectives of each group, State legislators serving on the
Education Committee,Local legislators.
Report to the CAC on April 21, 2004.
Report to the Board of Education on April 28, 2004.
View the Legislative Action Manual here.
Exploring Tiering
The potential of moving to a 3-tier transportation system has
been a topic of discussion for several years and was revisited
as a suggestion for cost containment during the October
Information Team Meetings. In the context of a 3-tier
transportation system, school start times are staggered in a
manner which allows one bus to deliver elementary, junior high,
and high school students, resulting in significant cost
savings.
Objectives:
1. Contact school districts and busing companies that are using
a tiered transportation system.
2. Create a list of the positive and negative impacts of a
tiered transportation system, considering the following issues:
Educational impact upon student learning,
Impact on after school activities,
Effect upon daycare needs of dual income families,
Cost savings,
Unforeseen benefits and drawbacks.
Report to the CAC on April 21, 2004.
Report to the Board of Education on April 28, 2004.
View the Exploring Tiering Report here.
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